Too much praise can give you a big head! Perhaps that's how
the Olmec people felt about their leaders. There is, in fact,
much evidence to indicate the rulers were well respected. These
enormous heads, carved from volcanic basalt, range from 5 to
9 feet tall and weigh as much as 20 tons. Only 17, each different,
have been found throughout Mexico since the first discovery
in 1862. Some were moved great distances from mountain quarries
through rugged terrain to centers like San Lorenzo, Veracruz.
The colossal heads were perhaps portraits ofgreat rulers. They
usually display the insignia of a ruler, and exhibited thick
features and helmet-like headgear, probably for ceremonial ballgames.
The Olmec society consisted of fixed classes of priests, bureaucrats,
merchants and craftspeople. These mysterious statues have become
the icons of the Olmec civilization. Our scaled reproduction
of Monument-1 from San Lorenzo, will add a sense of strength
to your home or office décor. And this one won't break
your back!